Thermal conditions in households and assessment of building's flexibility potential. Variations in time, space and between dwellings

Abstract

There is little specific knowledge of actual temperature conditions in buildings. This paper contributes with results from a detailed long-term monitoring campaign of temperature conditions in 17 households. Furthermore, these measurements are combined with qualitative interviews with 22 occupants in 16 households, on their heating practices. Implications for the assessment of the heat demand flexibility potential are discussed, and it is suggested that including occupants in future experiments can be a way to reach the full potential of buildings flexibility potential to a renewable energy sources dependent energy system. Quantitative data show that temperature conditions vary with time and space within each dwelling and between dwellings. In the same apartment, the temperature difference between spaces can be 7 K. The living rooms have the most homogeneous temperature distribution during 24 h period and the bedrooms most significant variations. Qualitative data indicate that aspects of: Activities performed by occupants; Caring for things, others and oneself; Comfort; Convenience; Natural and material surroundings affect occupants’ heating practices.